Chisholm Assembly of God Podcast

Pastor Micah shared a message entitled "Hide & Seek" this week to help remind each of us why the Bible is so important to us today! He pulled out a few key words from 2 Timothy 3:16-17; profitable, complete, and equipped that help us understand the importance of God's Word! Only through spending time in God's Word can we truly grow into the man or woman of God that He is calling us to be. Spending time in His Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives is how we become most fully equipped in our lives so that we can do every God work that God has for us to do!Pastor Micah shared four things the sufficient Word of God is used for to make us complete believers and equip us in every good work:TeachingRebukingCorrectingTrainingCheck out this original game of "Hide & Seek" as King David shares his heart in Psalm 119:10-11. “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (NIV). Bottom Line: King David was continually seeking God with his whole heart, and the way he was doing that was by hiding (or storing) God's Word in His heart. That is Pastor Micah's prayer for each and every person. 

Pastor Micah shared a message this week titled "The Meaning Of Pentecost!" The Day of Pentecost is a historic event that took place as God poured the Holy Spirit upon the Early Church to empower, equip, and enable us to reach the world for Christ! Pastor Micah approached this message with a 30,000 foot view looking at the connection between the Passover and Pentecost Festivals. We know that the Holy Spirit has been actively involved since the Creation story back in Genesis chapter 1. The Prophet Joel prophesied about the Holy Spirit coming hundreds of years before the day of Pentecost occurred. The initial out pouring of the Holy Spirit was marked by 3 symbolic phenomena:The sound of violent rushing wind!Tongues of fire resting on each head!Witness to the nations for His glory!Bottom Line: God's purpose at Pentecost was to equip His church with the power of the Holy Spirit so that we would be His witnesses to all the nations, resulting in His eternal glory. (Habakkuk 2:14)

Pastor Micah finished up our current series this past Sunday called "Taking the NEXT Step!" Throughout this series we are focusing on the topic of stewardship and looking specifically at the Biblical principles of tithing, offerings, and trusting the Lord with everything He has placed in your hands!In the first week of the series we looked at the Biblical principle laid out for tithing. The second week Pastor Micah shared a tool called the ‘giving ladder' that helps each of us to see where we're at when it comes to giving in our lives. In the 3rd and final week Pastor Micah challenged you to seek the Lord and see what He would have you to do for the rest of 2024 in regards to your giving. He shared a tool call a P.L.O.W. card:P-Pray: Ask the Lord that He would help you know what it is He's asking you to give at this time.L-Listen: To hear an answer.O-Obey: Obey and follow through with the answer the Lord gives you.W-Wow: Watch and be amazed at what will take place when you pray, listen, and obey God's leading in your life.If you're currently giving at a level that you know you could do without God then I'm going to challenge your thinking, and say that I don't think you're actually hearing what God wants you to do. When we obey God's leading in our lives it's the key that unlocks the wow factor in our lives. Bottom Line: This series may be hard for some people to hear, but throughout this series we hope you will be open to taking the next step in the area of stewardship with tithes and offerings. 

We celebrated all of the great moms, grandmothers, step mothers, foster moms, and mother figures God has blessed our great church and community with! Pastor Micah shared a message called "A Mother's Heart" which focused on how mothers experience the greatest of joys, but likewise experience the deepest of pains. By looking at 3 lesser known moms from scripture we walked away with 3 questions:Jochebed (Exodus 2): Where do you need to surrender control to God?Zarephath (1 Kings 17): Where do you need to trust God's promises and step out in obedience even in the midst of doubt?Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12): Are you living a story in need of redemption? In what part of life do you need to live in the hope that God is redeeming your story?For each of us we must cling to the promise we find in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me” Bottom Line: So wherever you find yourself today—needing to surrender control, wanting to step deeper into trust and obedience, or hoping that God can redeem your story—let's allow our lives to reflect the true heart of a mother: filled with great joy and deep pain, but covered in His grace, which is always enough.

Pastor Micah picked back up our current series this past Sunday called "Taking the NEXT Step!" Throughout this series we are focusing on the topic of stewardship and looking specifically at the Biblical principles of tithing, offerings, and trusting the Lord with everything He has placed in your hands!In the first week of the series we looked at the Biblical principle laid out for tithing. This week Pastor Micah shared a tool called the ‘giving ladder' that helps each of us to see where we're at when it comes to giving in our lives. The third part of the series I'm going to challenge you to seek the Lord and see what He would have you to do for the rest of 2024 in regards to your giving. Here is a recap of the 5 steps of the giving ladder discussed this past week:A POTENTIALGiver (Anyone with any form of income)An EMERGING Giver (Someone who gives occasionally, and without any particular rhyme or reason)A CONSISTENT Giver (Someone who gives at a regular basis at a consistent level)A TITHE Giver (Someone who gives 10% of their income to the local church)An EXTRAVAGANT Giver (This is someone who gives above 10% of their income to the local church)Bottom Line: This series may be hard for some people to hear, but throughout this series we hope you will be open to taking the next step in the area of stewardship with tithes and offerings. 

Pastor Laura shared a message this week called "A New Thing" focusing on how after Jesus went back up to Heaven he commanded the Apostles to go to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit to come. In Acts chapters 1-3 we read about how even though God was doing a new thing it's not always easy as wait for the new thing to take place. Here are 3 things we can learn from the Apostles as they waited on the new thing to take place:The Story Ended (or sho they thought)They Began To PrepareThe Spirit CameThere are also 3 key questions we need to ask ourselves when waiting for God to do a new thing. These come from the story of the lame man being healed in Acts 3:Where Are You Sitting?Where Are You Looking?What Are You Expecting?Bottom Line: The end of something is often an amazing opportunity for something new to come. Good things can happen even when you've been stuck for a long time.

Pastor Bethani shared a message titled "Please Pass The Faith" which focused on the importance of passing on our faith to the next generation. In particular as Pastors Bethani and Sarah wrote this message it was focused on passing down the faith to Generations Z and Alpha (those born since 1996). Here are a few highlights for you:Passing on the faith to the next generation is the responsibility of the entire church.Passing on the faith means we talk about what God has done in our lives with those who are younger than us. In other words: commend, declare, and sing the greatness of God! (Psalm 145:4, 6-7)God has equipped us as a church to pass the faith to others. Each of us has a role to play. What is your role?Pastor Bethani challenged each person to take time and intentionally pray this week about what their role could be here at Chisholm AG to help pass the faith along to the next generation! 

Pastor Bethani shared a message titled "Promise In The Valley" which focuses on Genesis 15 and relates it to the mountain highs and valley lows we experience in life. The point is that every mountain is followed by a valley but we always have a mountain of a promise in Jesus. This message offers hope to everyone in their low times in life and helps those in the high times of their lives that the lows will come but the promise we have in Jesus remains the same.Bottom Line: Jesus' valley low was our mountain high. When we walk through the valley, we need to cling to the promise we have in Jesus!

Pastor Micah started a new series this week called "Taking the NEXT Step!" Throughout this series we will focus on the topic of stewardship and looking specifically at the Biblical principles of tithing, offerings, and trusting the Lord with everything He has placed in your hands!This week we looked at the Biblical principle laid out for tithing. The second part of this series I will share with you a tool called the ‘giving ladder' that helps each of us to see where we're at when it comes to giving in our lives. The third part of the series I'm going to challenge you to seek the Lord and see what He would have you to do for the rest of 2024 in regards to your giving. Bottom Line: This series may be hard for some people to hear, but know that I'm sharing this because I really believe that it's for your benefit more than anything else when you learn how to tithe and give to the Lord.

Pastor Micah wrapped up our 2024 Easter series this year, "Empty." As Easter has been approaching we've focused on how through an empty tomb we find the ultimate fulfillment in our lives through Christ! This series unpacks the idea of emptiness by following people connected to the death of Jesus and showing that only at the empty tomb will we be made full.As we celebrated Easter this week we looked at the story of Mary and her experience at the tomb following Jesus' resurrection. Mary had come to the tomb feeling empty and seeking a full tomb. She left finding an empty tomb and being made full! After Jesus appeared to her, she ran back to tell the other disciples that Jesus defeated death and that she had seen their Lord!God has gone to great lengths to be with you and to fill your emptiness. He provided a solution for all of the sins that leave you feeling empty through the sacrifice of His son Jesus on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. He provides you a full life now here on Earth and an eternal life after death! Why? Because God loves you! Bottom Line: Jesus' death and resurrection repairs us and now the Holy Spirit fills us. We no longer have to experience emptiness because the presence of God is IN us. We are made full!

Pastor Micah continued our 2024 Easter series this year, "Empty." As Easter approaches we're focusing on how through an empty tomb we find the ultimate fulfillment in our lives through Christ! This series unpacks the idea of emptiness by following people connected to the death of Jesus and showing that only at the empty tomb will we be made full.This week we looked at the story involving Pilate and the crowd as Jesus is put on trial. Pilate mentions multiple times that Jesus is innocent and he wants nothing to do with Jesus. Ultimately, he allows the crowd to sway his decision making even though he knows it's not the right choice to make. Know that if you are looking to the crowd to find approval, you're looking in the wrong place. Because only Jesus and a relationship with Him can truly bring fulfillment to your life. Bottom Line: Do I feel full or empty? Am I satisfied in life? Or am I searching for more? Then ask: What am I trying to find fulfillment with? Am I seeking Jesus or am I chasing something else? Everything else will only lead you to emptiness and ultimately death. It is only in Jesus and at His empty tomb that we truly find life.

Pastor Laura started our 2024 Easter series this year, "Empty." As Easter approaches we're focusing on how through an empty tomb we find the ultimate fulfillment in our lives through Christ! This series unpacks the idea of emptiness by following people connected to the death of Jesus and showing that only at the empty tomb will we be made full.This week we looked at two different examples of people trying to find fulfillmentin different ways. First, we see the Pharisees tried to find fulfillment through the Law and perfecting their behavior. Second, we looked at how Judas tried to find fulfillment through the love of money aka greed. Bottom Line: Do I feel full or empty? Am I satisfied in life? Or am I searching for more? Then ask: What am I trying to find fulfillment with? Am I seeking Jesus or am I chasing something else? Everything else will only lead you to emptiness and ultimately death. It is only in Jesus and at His empty tomb that we truly find life. 

Pastor Micah and the members of the Mexico Mission's Trip team took time to share about their recent amazing mission's trip to serve in Aguascalientes and Central Mexico February 20-26th! 

Pastor Micah wrapped our series this week called "I'll Be There For You!" This series focuses on the topic of friendship. Each week will will look at a different friendship from scripture along with a specific important characteristic of friendship. In scripture we see many examples of Godly friendship and how important it is to our walk with the Lord. This week we looked at the relationship between King David and one his closest friends, adviser, and prophet, Nathan. The characteristic of friendship we focused on this week is correction. Correction is not a fun thing to do and can be very awkward and challenging, but it's necessary within any good friendship! After David has an affair with Bathsheba that result in a child he made the decision to put Uriah, Bathsheba's husband, on the front of the battle lines resulting in his death. God revealed this to Nathan and he had a difficult decision to make. Do I stay quiet and not risk my friendship with King David or do I risk my own life and confront his sin like God is asking me to? Ultimately, out of love for his friend Nathan confronted King David and had the difficult conversations. King David didn't receive it well initially, but then his attitude changed. He repented of his sin, asked for forgiveness, and began to worship God. There were still consequences as a result of David's sin, one being the loss of the child born due to the affair. You can read the complete story in 2 Samuel chapter 12. There are 3 key takeaways we can learn from Nathan and King David's friendship when it comes to our lives today:Pray to God about these situations! (Never approach a conversation with someone in your own ability)Have hard conversations out of love! (Love is the only acceptable motivation)Make sure there is trust within your friendship! (The foundation of trust must exist in a friendship to have the hard challenging conversations)Bottom Line: Correction and confrontation from a friend are good for us. A true friend wants you to experience the best of life and bring God's best out of you. If someone is allowing you to destroy yourself then they are not your friend. They are your enemy. Even though correction and confrontation might hurt, it is beneficial to our walk with Christ. 

Pastor Brad shared a message this week called "Vessels" which focused on how we're all called to be God's vessels to the world around us. His main passage of scripture was from 1 Corinthians 12:27. In order to be effective vessels there are 4 main points that he pointed out in this message:Effective vessels are WILLING to be used!Effective vessels know the Father's Voice (Shepherd's) to HEAR how to be used!Effective vessels are intentionally POURING out onto others!Effective vessels accept the fact that they are BROKEN!Bottom Line: Some of us have been waiting to become more perfect, but the answer the whole time has been to 'boast in your weakness' as the Apostle Paul says living your life with an open heart and an open hand. 

Pastor Sarah Tillotson shared a message this week called "Adoption: Forever Home" focusing on the Biblical concept of adoption into the family of God, and how that relates to adoption in our world today! By looking at Paul's letter in Galatians 4:1-7 we pull out these 6 truths:We are Redeemed!We are Adopted!The Holy Spirit now lives within us!We call God Father!We are now God's Children!We are the Heirs of God!Bottom Line: God intentionally chooses to adopt us and is always longing to add more children to His family! He says, "Welcome, my child. This is your home forever!"

Pastor Micah continued our series this week called "I'll Be There For You!" This series focuses on the topic of friendship. Each week will will look at a different friendship from scripture along with a specific important characteristic of friendship. In scripture we see many examples of Godly friendship and how important it is to our walk with the Lord. This week we look at the friendship between Ruth and Naomi and the characteristics of loyalty and care in friendship. Naomi lost her husband and both of her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, lost their husbands. So in the face of tragedy each of these ladies had to make a decision on what they would do moving forward. Naomi encouraged both ladies to go back to their homeland and look for a new husband. Orpah chose to go back home and look for a new husband. Ruth decided to remain loyal to Naomi and take care of her even if it wasn't in her best interest to do so. Looking at their friendship there are 3 key takeaways I want you to consider when it comes to the characteristics of loyalty and care in friendship:True Friendship is Strengthened in Hard Times when we are Faithful!True Friendship Requires Action and not just Feelings!Even in Adversity, True Friends are Loyal!Bottom Line: Friendship is made stronger through faithfulness together.

Pastor Micah started a new series this week called "I'll Be There For You!" This series focuses on the topic of friendship. Each week will will look at a different friendship from scripture along with a specific important characteristic of friendship. In scripture we see many examples of Godly friendship and how important it is to our walk with the Lord. This week we look at the friendship between Jonathan and David and the characteristic of trust in friendship. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, ended up in a very difficult spot when he had to choose between his father and his best friend David whom he had made a covenant with. Looking at their friendship there are 3 key takeaways I want you to consider when it comes to the role of trust in friendship:True friendship is built on trust!True friendship is putting yourself third!True friendship is being present for your friend!Bottom Line: Our friends matter so choose your friends wisely. They make a greater impact on your life then you may think!

Pastor Micah shared a message entitled "The Potter" for our 2024 Vision Sunday! God uses the language of creation to describe His ongoing interest in our lives throughout all of scripture. By focusing on Isaiah 64:8 and Jeremiah 18:2-6 we learn that God is the sovereign creator and He molds us in the palm os His hand.  Here are a few keypoints and questions for us to takeaway from this week's message:You are created in the image of God!Are you allowing the Artist to work?You are God's masterpiece!Your failure is God's opportunity!What will you do?Bottom Line: God is in control, He is sovereign over all things including our lives, families, and this church. He is the potter and we're the clay. 

Pastor Micah shared a message this week called "I Want To See!" to help set the stage for next week's Vision Sunday! By looking at the interaction between the blind man Bartimaeus and Jesus in Mark 10 we can learn 4 key things:Cry Out (He had nothing left to lose. He was not going to be timid.)Press In (He refused to be deterred by distractions, discouragement, or doubt.)Toss Aside Your Cloak (He believed that Jesus was going to heal him before it happened.)Say It (He had the faith to be real and vulnerable with Jesus.)Bottom Line: I believe that if you cry out, press in, and toss your cloak and say it… that He will give you the vision to see what He has planned for you.

Pastor Laura took time this week to focus on worship in her message, "The Power of Worship!" As we continue going through our 21 days of corporate prayer & fasting we're also placing an emphasis on the act of daily worship. Living our lives in a way that as the Apostle Paul says, a "living sacrifice." Pastor Laura defined what worship is according to scripture, and presented and answered the following 2 questions:So if we're going to worship someone/something, why should it be God? (Psalm 95:1-11; Acts 17:24-28Do you worship God in a way that draws others to worship God as well?Bottom Line: In Psalm 40:3 we see David mention 2 profound elements of worship: Celebration (vertical expression) and Proclamation (horizontal expression).

Pastor Micah set the stage for our upcoming 21 days of corporate prayer and fasting by sharing a message entitled "Why Do We Fast?" In this message Pastor Micah looked at 8 different stories from scripture that helped us realize 9 different reasons why we fast. This is by no means an exhaustive list of why we fast, but gives a very clear introduction to why we fast. Pastor Micah also shared various different forms of fasting that are found throughout the Bible. We're excited to see what God does in our hearts and through our lives over these 21 days as we set time aside as a church to pray and fast! Bottom Line: It's important to remember that fasting is not some magical formula or arm twisting that we do to get something that we want from God. God is most interested in our heart posture and our relationship with Him. He wants our fasting to be a reflection of our desire to draw near to Him. To seek His heart and hear His voice is the goal.

Pastor Brad shared a New Year's themed message called "Tear Off The Roof!" By looking at a couple individuals from the New Testament who were healed by Jesus we focus on their faith, boldness, and desperation! In Luke chapter 5 we see the story of the friends bringing their paralyzed friend to Jesus and him being healed due to their faith. Secondly, in Luke chapter 8 we read the story of the woman being healed who dealt with the blood disorder.Here are the 2 questions for you to consider from this week's message:What would it look like to tear off the roof for someone else today? (Sometimes it takes the boldness of OTHERS to see God move through your life.)Are you willing to tear off the roof to experience more of Jesus? (Sometimes it's up to OURSELVES  to add extra BOLDNESS in our faith to see God work. Strip away the pride.)Bottom Line: God rewards those that are DESPERATE for Him!

Pastor Micah finished our Christmas series this week called "With Love!" The overarching theme of this series aims to answer the question, why do we have Christmas? The most simple answer is, LOVE! Out of God's love for us He made a way for us to be reconciled back to Him! He sent His One and only Son Jesus to become the final atoning sacrifice to bridge the gap that sin had created between God and mankind.This week we focused on how we can go tell others about God's love. By looking at the story of the shepherds we see how they received the news from the angels, responded by going to see Jesus, and then going and telling everyone about the newborn Messiah, Jesus Christ. They were so filled with joy they could help, but go tell everyone about Jesus.Sometimes we can lose joy in our lives, but here are 4 practical ways we can restore the joy of the Lord in our lives: Think about how things have changed!JournalTimes when God showed up in unexpected ways.Times God gave me what I needed by doing what I didn't want. Prayers God has answered.Realize your purpose in Him!Commit to pressing on no matter what!

Pastor Micah shared a message called "Be The Light" as a part of our annual Family Christmas service at CAG. In this message he talked about how Jesus came to be the 'light of the world.' In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus teaches that it is now our job to take the light of the world (the Gospel Message, the love of Christ) and share it with the world around us. (Matthew 5:16) What an incredible honor we have to reflect Christ to the world around us, but also what a responsibility! May we always strive to shine the Light of Jesus everywhere we go!Bottom Line: Jesus is the light, we're the prism, and when we align ourselves properly with God it creates a beautiful, vibrant display of God's love to everyone around us! 

Pastor Micah continued our Christmas series this week called "With Love!" The overarching theme of this series aims to answer the question, why do we have Christmas? The most simple answer is, LOVE! Out of God's love for us He made a way for us to be reconciled back to Him! He sent His One and only Son Jesus to become the final atoning sacrifice to bridge the gap that sin had created between God and mankind.This week we focused on how we can give love back to God. We look at the story of the 3 Wise Men and the gifts they brought to the newborn King, Jesus Christ: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These three gifts represent a financial (gold), religious (frankincense), and a prophetic (myrrh) gifts. Practically speaking we looked at this framework of how we can show God our love in each of these three avenues!Bottom Line: When we understand what God has given us with love, we should want to give back to Him with love.

Pastor Micah started our Christmas series this week called "With Love!" The overarching theme of this series aims to answer the question, why do we have Christmas? The most simple answer is, LOVE! Out of God's love for us He made a way for us to be reconciled back to Him! He sent His One and only Son Jesus to become the final atoning sacrifice to bridge the gap that sin had created between God and mankind.This week we focused on what God's love looks like and how we can respond to God's love! His love is pure, selfless, and always has our best interests in mind! When we understand that we can then begin to love others in that same way! Bottom Line: God chose to love you and give everything, just so He could have a relationship with you.

Pastor Micah shared a timely message this week that the Holy Spirit laid on his heart called "Be Brave!" In particular the theme of the message is being brave in the midst of the unknown in our lives. It could be something unknown physically like an illness, something unknown spiritually like trying to discern God's direction for your life, or something unknown mentally where you're struggling with anxiety/depression, etc. By looking at Judge Deborah's story in Judges chapter 4 we find 3 key points:Fear can hold us back from being brave!When God calls you to be brave, He will be there to support you!God equips us all to be brave!Bottom Line:  To be brave, we have to let faith empower us to rise above our fears! 

Pastor Bethani shared a message this week called "Lukewarm Christianity!" By looking at the teaching from Revelation 3:14-22 we find a word for the church in Laodicea. They were challenged for their 'lukewarm' faith, and that same challenge still stands for us today. Are we living life fully committed to the Lord, or are we still trying to stand on two ladders (one being the world and the other being God)? Are you in or are you out? Here is one highlight from the message, "to experience the fullness of God, you have to give Him access to all of you!"Bottom Line: If you're not all in with God, you're all out of Heaven.

Pastor Laura shared a message entitled "THANKful Truly" as she looked at Leviticus 7:11-13. In this Old Testament passage we learn a lot about the attitude of thankfulness. She shared about how thanksgiving is a key ingredient to having peace with God! Here are a few highlights from this week's message:We must be thankful for ALL things!But what about the DIFFICULT things in our lives? (Why on Earth would we be thankful for the DIFFICULT things in our lives?)We are to be thankful because Christ SUFFERED. Christ went through HARD times. He was TORTURED...for YOU & for ME!Bottom Line: Are you thankful just for the GOOD things? Are you also thankful for the DIFFICULT things? (True thanksgiving is being able to answer, “YES” to both of those questions.)

Pastor Micah shared a message this week titled "Open Your Eyes!" By looking at the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus we find 3 prayer points! Just as Paul prayed this over the church nearly 2,000 years ago. We continue to pray this over our church, community, and world! We pray that you may:Know Christ more!Receive more wisdom, insight, and understanding concerning God's present and future purposes!Experience greater power of the Holy Spirit in your life!Bottom Line: “When we get our eyes off of ourselves and choose to trust God, we begin to see miracles in the midst of the mundane. We see lives changed. We see God glorified and His church thriving.”

Pastors Micah & Laura shared with us this week at Chisholm as Missionaries Micah & Laura as they follow the Lord's leading to take the Good News of the Gospel to the people of Aguascalientes and Central Mexico! They shared about their call to missions, where they're going in Central Mexico, and what kind of ministry they will be doing (church planting). They also shared a message called "Jesus Feeds 5,000." This miracle has become legendary to many of us, but we want to encourage you to consider what's happening on the periphery of this miracle, and in particular the young boy who offered up his 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish to Jesus. When the crowd followed Jesus and His disciples as they tried to get away to rest and share about what they had experienced that day, Jesus welcomed them, taught them, and healed those who needed to be healed. Bottom Line: At the table of Jesus, all are welcome!

This week Pastor Micah focused on the Lord's Supper to teach us how Jesus took ordinary everyday items and did something extraordinary with them. The same is true in our lives! When we take what 'little' we think we have and place it in His hands, walk in step with the Holy Spirit, and respond in obedience we can see the ordinary used in extraordinary ways!

Pastor Bethani shared a message entitled "Love Is The Reason" as we continue with our mission's emphasis throughout the month of October. Pastor Bethani shared about her call to missions and shared many different stories from here life that have greatly impacted her. Ultimately we know that Christ's love compels us to reach the lost, and we're commanded to love others. 

Pastor Laura shared a message this week focused on God's Heartbeat as we continue to focus on Missions throughout the month of October! Often when we think of missions we think of the Great Commission, but it began long before then. Missions have always been the heartbeat of God. Here are 3 foundational pieces to help us understand God's Heartbeat:1. A COMPASSIONATE God2. A COMPELLING Message3. A COMMISSIONED People

Pastor Micah took time this week to set the stage for our Missions Emphasis month throughout October. By looking at scripture Pastor Micah presented and answered the question, why do missions matter? As a church we believe that missions is one of the avenues that God created to see evangelism and discipleship take place. That we're command to go and make disciples of all the world by being missional locally, nationally, and globally.  

Brad Monson of Mesabi Range Youth for Christ (MRYFC) shared a great update about MRYFC along with a challenging message! We're so excited to hear about all of the great things taking place across the Iron Range in students lives as a result of MRYFC! We can't wait to see what God continues to do with the new vision and direction God has given them! If you would like to learn more about MRYFC or learn how you can get involved or become a monthly support partner please connect with Brad or Bethani Monson! You can also check out their website: https://www.mesabirangeyfc.org/. You can also follow MRYFC on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MesabiRangeYouthforChrist and on Instagram: mesabirangecl_virginia

Pastor Micah shared a message for Back to Church Sunday called "Rooted In Faith" By looking at the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul we get a clear understanding of the importance of having deep roots spiritually. Life will throw challenges our way so we must be able to stay connected to Christ and stand firm in our faith! A life built on Jesus overflows with purpose and meaning. The Bible compares this kind of connection to a vine with many branches. Here are the 3 main points from this week's message:Faith in Jesus grows deep roots!Roots of Faith grow in Fellowship (Community)Jesus is the Vine. We are the Branches.Bottom Line: Historically, God has used people who are deeply rooted in their faith to make a difference in the world.

Kevin & Jennie Senapatiratne of Christ Connection came and shared a great message with us this week at Chisholm AG! By looking at the prayer of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles chapter 20 they pulled out 4 key reminders when it comes to prayer.His prayer started by turning his FOCUS to GodHe appealed to the POWER of GodHe appealed to the PROMISES of GodHe appealed to the WORD of GodBottom Line: All 4 of these reminders tie back to the concept of keeping our eyes fixed on God! 

Pastor Micah shared a message called "The Greatest Commandment" this week focused on Jesus answering the question, 'of all of the commandments, which is the most important?' in Mark chapter 12. Jesus answers the question by quoting 2 old testament commandments from Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18.Jesus says that loving God with all the we have and loving our neighbor our both equally important! Dr. Kim Huat Tan wrote in her commentary on the Gospel of Mark that "love for God is actualized in love for neighbor!" Jesus went on to share two stories later in the chapter about what it means to put yourself first and what it means to love God with everything you have. The religious leaders didn't love God. They loved what being associated with God got them. Whereas the old widow who gave her two coins "gave her whole life" where you look at the original Greek translations. Bottom Line: Loving God is giving God your whole life!

Pastor Micah finished up our current series this week called Wisdom: A Study in Proverbs! While King Solomon was not perfect (he didn't even always take his own advice!) he did record an incredible collection of wisdom in the book of Proverbs. This wisdom is timeless; it was relevant thousands of years ago and it is relevant today. The specifics may have changed, but the principles in Proverbs are still solid and sound advice for you and me! This week we focused on what King Solomon taught about how to avoid temptation by looking at a parable he tells in Proverbs 7:7-27.Here are 2 important observations I wanted to highlight in regards to the book of Proverbs:Proverbs contains general principles about how life should work.Proverbs contains examples of foolish vs. wise behavior. (Not necessarily focusing on the morality of right vs wrong)King Solomon has a lot to say not just about saying no to temptation, but learning how to avoid temptation. Here are a few key takeaways from this week's message on avoiding temptation:An early no is easier than a later no!A difficult no is better than a difficult consequence!Integrity beats regret every time!Bottom Line: If you know where temptation lives, don't walk by her house!

Pastor Laura continued our current series this week called Wisdom: A Study in Proverbs! While King Solomon was not perfect (he didn't even always take his own advice!) he did record an incredible collection of wisdom in the book of Proverbs. This wisdom is timeless; it was relevant thousands of years ago and it is relevant today. The specifics may have changed, but the principles in Proverbs are still solid and sound advice for you and me! This week we focused on what it looks like to be a good friend!Here are 2 important observations I wanted to highlight in regards to the book of Proverbs:Proverbs contains general principles about how life should work.Proverbs contains examples of foolish vs. wise behavior. (Not necessarily focusing on the morality of right vs wrong)Solomon has a lot to say about our friendship, and here are 5 key characteristics of being a good friend:Good friends are good listeners!Good friends value honesty!Good friends value loyalty!Good friends don't stir up trouble!A good friend is kind even to their enemies!Bottom Line: We should be the kind of friend we want to have.

Pastor Micah continued our current series this week called Wisdom: A Study in Proverbs! While King Solomon was not perfect (he didn't even always take his own advice!) he did record an incredible collection of wisdom in the book of Proverbs. This wisdom is timeless; it was relevant thousands of years ago and it is relevant today. The specifics may have changed, but the principles in Proverbs are still solid and sound advice for you and me! This week we focused on the relationship between wisdom and wealth. Here are 2 important observations I wanted to highlight in regards to the book of Proverbs:Proverbs contains general principles about how life should work.Proverbs contains examples of foolish vs. wise behavior. (Not necessarily focusing on the morality of right vs wrong)Solomon has a lot to say about our relationship with money, and here are 4 key takeaways for us all to consider:Wise people know when to save and when to spend!Wise people earn their money honestly!Wise people work hard for their money!Wise people properly prioritize wealth!Bottom Line: God cares how we spend, pursue, and prioritize wealth.

For our 5th Sunday family service Pastor Micah and Kid's Ministry Director Sarah shared on the topic of self-control. Our min passage for the morning comes from Titus 2:11-12 which focuses on the importance of living a life marked by self-control. Self-control is choosing actions and attitudes that please God, not ourselves. The Holy Spirit helps us to develop self-control in 3 different ways:Our ThoughtsOur ActionsOur WordsBottom Line: Most simply put, self-control helps us choose to think, act, and say things that demonstrate God's love and character.

Pastor Micah started a new series this week called Wisdom: A Study in Proverbs! While King Solomon was not perfect (he didn't even always take his own advice!) he did record an incredible collection of wisdom in the book of Proverbs. This wisdom is timeless; it was relevant thousands of years ago and it is relevant today. The specifics may have changed, but the principles in Proverbs are still solid and sound advice for you and me! This week we focused on defining what wisdom is, and how to pursue or gain wisdom!Here are 2 important observations I wanted to highlight in regards to the book of Proverbs:Proverbs contains general principles about how life should work.Proverbs contains examples of foolish vs. wise behavior. (Not necessarily focusing on the morality of right vs wrong)So how do we pursue/gain wisdom in our lives?Ask God for it!Seek out God's Truth! (Scripture)Listen to Wise PeopleBottom Line: Wisdom is knowledge applied, but in Proverbs we learn that Godly Wisdom is knowledge applied in a way that honors God!

Pastor Brad shared a message entitled "Preparing for Battle." The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 talks about the importance of working together as the body of Christ. Here are the key points from Pastor Brad's message:Drop the DIVISIONDrop the ROUTINEDrop the ACTDrop the BAGGAGEDrop....to your KNEES!

Pastor Laura shared a wonderful message on the topic of sacrificial love. By looking at the life of Jesus and other characters from the Bible Pastor Laura reminded us about the importance and powerful of sacrificial love. She also looked at how one of the greatest ways we can relate to sacrificial love is through our experience as parents. The two main points of this week's message on sacrificial love are:Sacrificial love puts other people's needs first!Sacrificial love is an action!Bottom Line: C.S. Lewis said "humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less." As we seek to love others sacrificially, we are not devaluing ourselves, but thinking more of Jesus and others.

Pastor Micah wrapped up our current series this week called "Honor" which focuses on the topic of honor. In this 3 week series we we look at the importance of honoring God, honoring those in authority, and honoring those around us! This week we looked at the Apostle Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 that teach about how we're all members of one body. Jesus also spent time teaching this concept to the disciples in John 13. We looked at three biblical reasons why we're to show honor to one another:We are One BodyWe are Commanded to Honor One AnotherWhen we Honor One Another it shows the world that we are True Disciples of JesusHere are 3 important questions for us to consider as we reflect upon how well we are showing honor to one another:Are you doing a good job of viewing everyone as a member of one body? Are you obeying the commands that scripture lays out about honoring one another?Lastly, through your actions are people seeing someone who represents a true disciple of Jesus?

Pastor Micah continued in our current series this week called "Honor" which focuses on the topic of honor. In this 3 week series we we look at the importance of honoring God, honoring those in authority, and honoring those around us! This week we looked at Matthew 20 and the conversation between Jesus and John, James, and their mother about who would sit in the spots of honor next to Jesus in Heaven.  We looked at three biblical examples of authority that each of us have in our lives: our parents, our leaders, and our pastors. I want you to consider these 3 questions when you think about whether or not you have been honoring those in authority in your life:When is the last time you encouraged a leader, your boss, or pastor? When was the last time you said, “thank you” for all that they do for you? When was the last time you did something to make their lives easier?Bottom Line: The principle that Jesus taught is this: if serving is beneath you, leadership is beyond you. You want to be a leader one day? Serve. Swallow your pride and serve your leader.

As we took time to celebrate all of the fathers in our church and community Pastor Micah shared a message called "God Our Father." This week Pastor Micah took time to break down the heart of God the Father in relation to Jesus the Son, the role of the Holy Spirit, and us today as children of God! As Pastor Micah shared here are 3 of the important things that God the Father does for us today:God the Father delights in His children and sings over us!God the Father is transforming us!God the Father is holding us close!Bottom Line: God the Father is our "Abba Father" which translates to the fact that God is our "Dad." It's a personal relationship where God knows us and longs to be in an intimate relationship with us! 

Pastor Micah shared an impromptu message on the Holy Spirit that the Lord laid on his heart during our worship time. We looked at the final words of Jesus before His ascension from Acts chapter 1 as Jesus told His disciples, and us today, about how to fulfill the Great Commission of taking the Gospel message to all people. It can and will only happen as we're empowered by the Holy Spirit! Bottom Line: We're so limited in our own strength and ability, but when we allow the Holy Spirit to empower us we become powerful witnesses to all people of all nations!